Abstract
Medulloblastoma is one of the most frequent intracranial tumours of children. Advances in the surgical and adjuvant management have significantly improved the outcome of children with medulloblastoma. The 5-year survival rate of 30% in 1960s has risen to 70% now. Modern management of medulloblastoma emphasises: 1) aggressive surgery for tumour resection and release of hydrocephalus; 2) postoperative intensive adjuvant therapy. Chemotherapy is the choice for young children while radiotherapy is delayed until they reach three years of age or disease progress. Chemotherapy is used in conjunction with standard-dose radiotherapy for high-risk children, and with reduced-dose for average-risk children. The treatment of patients with recurrent disease remains a major challenge. Studies are still ongoing for further improving the survival rate while minimising treatment-induced morbidity. (HK J Paediatr (new series) 2004;9:148-157) Key words : Medulloblastoma; Primitive neuroectodermal tumour